Science & Technology

Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife has given clearance for Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO’s) long-range missile test facility at South Andamans’ Rutland Island.

The proposal involves diversion of 49.978 acres forest of which 0.84 ha falls in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and 49.138 ha reserve forest within 10km of the Eco Sensitive Zone.

The island is very rich in marine life and was once home to the indigenous Andamanese group ‘Jangil’ or Rutland Jarawa.

IMD to give malaria, chikungunya alerts

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that it is working on a forecasting system that will give 15-day alertson the likelihood of a malaria or chikungunya outbreak across different regions of the country.

The solid-fuel ramjet engine is a member of the ramjet engine family, which has the advantage of low cost, high power, and high controllability with compact size.

Environment and Ecology

India’s biodiversity riches grow by 499 species

‘Animal Discoveries 2016, New Species and Records’, brought out by the Zoological Survey of India and ‘Plant Discoveries 2016’, by the Botanical Survey of India, 499 new species of animals and plants, (313 species of animal and 186 of plants) have been discovered from various areas of India last year.

Of the new animal species, 258 are invertebrates and 55 vertebrates. As many as 97 species of insects, 27 of fish, 12 species of amphibians, 10 of Platyhelminthes, nine of Crustacea and six of reptiles have been discovered.

Along with 186 new species, scientists have discovered seven new genera, four subspecies and nine new varieties from India, taking the number to 206.

Astronomers find hottest giant planet Kelt-9b

According to a study published in the journal Nature the planet called KELT-9b is hotter than most stars.

KELT-9b is 8 times more massive than Jupiter, but only half as dense.

The KELT-9b planet was found using the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope.

The planet is so close to the star that its surface reaches more than 4,300C (7800F), making it the hottest giant planet ever found.

The twin telescopes focused on a star called Kelt-9 which at 10,000C (18000F) is nearly twice as hot as the sun.

Sports Current Affairs

Real Madrid make history, thrash Juve 4-1 to retain Champions League title

Real Madrid has won the UEFA Champions League title a record 12 times.

This victory means, Real Madrid are the first team to successfully defend the trophy in the Champions League era. AC Milan were the last team to retain Europe’s top prize when they triumphed in 1989 and 1990.